Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 6, Number 7, 1 July 1989 — 'Altitude depends on attitude' [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

'Altitude depends on attitude'

Nanaikapono culture day seeks to inspire students

by Lynn Nalani Oamilda Ka Wai Ola O OHA Intern The Nanaikapono Elementary School Culture Day Program last May "E Na Hawai'i E Huki Like" — "People of Hawai'i Pull Together" rallied students, parents and staff in a day filled with fun and learning about the Hawaiian culture. The long waited-for event began with the presentation of a royal court followed by entertainment in Hawaiian song and dance performed by students of different grade levels and skill. Musical accompaniment was provided by the school choir Na Leo O Nanaikapono under the direction of Earlene Albano. After the program, students and parents were invited to view a curriculum fair of various projects created by the students in such areas as science, art and writing. Students were also visited by speakers who eame to share their cultural knowledge with the children. "The event was quite a challenge," according to Clara Burrows, principal of the largest elementary school on the leeward coast, because it was the first time the school combined a culture day and curriculum fair. "Tbis was the first time we went to the extent of getting speakers who were willing to speak to our

elementary level students," Burrows said. The speakers included kupunas from the Department of Education involved with the pre-

school level talking about ho'oponopono, Hawaiian instruments and chants and plant and marine life. Others demonstrated outdoor games, lei making and Hawaiian dances to name a few. Grades three through six were introduced to such topics as "Setting GoaIs" by Paul Cathcart of Bishop Estate "Hawaiian Religion — Hawaiian Literature" by John Charlot, and "Ka 'Olelo Hawai'i" by Ku Kahakalau, and an assortment of other interesting subjects. Burrows said that "Our cultural roots and aeademic learning have taken us to great heights." She said that the culture day gave students an opportunity to meet people involved with Hawaiian culture first-hand. Burrows hopes that like the school's symbol the io'iki, Hawaiian hawk, the students will heeome inspired to go beyond what they have learned about their culture and make a difference in the future. "Altitude depends on attitude," Burrows said.

OHA cultural specialist Earl Neller surrounded by enthusiastic students from Nanaikapono Elementary School durlng their culture day.